Army instructed to neutralise infiltrators: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday that the army has been given orders to neutralise infiltrators trying to enter India.

Speaking at the 'Manthan' conclave organised by TV news channel Aaj Tak, the minister said: "I can only say that anyone trying to infiltrate will be neutralised."

"A terrorist, who comes with a gun, cannot be treated on humanitarian ground," he said.

Answering a question if India would give befitting reply to Mumbai like terror attack, the minister said the intention was not to let such incident be repeated.

"There are many steps that can be taken... It can be diplomatic, pressure tactic... Kante se kanta bhi nikalna padta hai (you need to remove a thorn with a thorn)," Parrikar said.

"Counter terrorist through terrorists. Why should our soldiers bleed," he said without clarifying it any further.

He, however, added that instructions have been given to take precaution that there was no "collateral damage" and that no Indian soldiers die.

"Take precaution there is no collateral damage. Don't touch civilians."

Asked what has changed after the NDA government assumed power at the Centre, the minister said: "Porosity on borders is less; intelligence has improved."

"I will stand by the army at any cost," Parrikar added.